Case Studies and Reflective Tools
Reflective Tool: Identifying Your Spheres of Control, Influence, and Concern
As you learned in this chapter, the last component of this book’s framework for culturally responsive early intervention is institutionalizing culturally responsive practices. To be able to do this effectively, each of us has to name what laws, practices, policies, and actions are within our spheres of control, influence, and concern. Use this to identify which EI laws, policies, practices, and actions fall into each sphere and what you can do to institutionalize culturally responsive practices at each level.
Sphere of Control
At this level are the things about our EI practices that we can control. This level is where our behaviors and actions are situated. What actions can you commit to taking to ensure you are constantly interacting with families in culturally responsive ways?
This level is what you think, say, and do as it relates to early intervention.
Sphere of Influence
This sphere contains the policies at your organization and the actions of others that you can influence. In this sphere, you can influence policy changes or guide the actions of others through your relationships. What are some of the ways you can provide a model or coach others to engage in more culturally responsive ways?
What changes to laws and policy can you advocate for?
Sphere of Concern
The sphere of concern holds all the things that you can’t control or influence. What laws, policies, and actions related to culturally responsive early intervention impact you and the families you serve?
Can you respond to these laws and policies that may be within the sphere of your control? Can you create a third space between what you wish were true and what the law or policy dictates?
